10 Spring Break Destinations That Won’t Break the Bank

With Spring Break just around the corner, many college students will flock to the sandy beaches of Panama City, South Beach and even Destin. But if you’re not careful, you’ll end up paying an arm and a leg for hotel-stay alone as many places up the prices during the busy season. Want to avoid that awkward explanation of how you blew through your entire savings account in the matter of five days?

Check out these cool Spring Break destinations that won’t have you crying broke.

1. Cruise

Overall, a cruise provides the best bang for your buck. Cruises include food, drinks, a place to sleep and even entertainment. Often times they offer a payment plan if you book them in advance, giving you plenty of time to pay off the trip throughout the year. With multiple pool decks and clubs for various age groups, there will always be something to fill the days. Kelsie Merritt, a senior at Florida State University says, “Last year my boyfriend and I went on a cruise to the Virgin Islands and it was so much fun. The only extra thing we had to pay for were the excursions, which we could pick and choose which ones were most important to us and which ones we wanted to spend our money on.” The farther in advance you book your cruise, the cheaper the rates will be. Rates can range anywhere from $500 to $1000 depending on where you want to go and how far in advance you book your trip.

2. Miami, Florida

Thousands of college students flock to the beautiful sandy beaches of South Beach in Miami, Florida every spring break for some fun in the sun and a nice tan. But the thing everyone cares about the most; how much is this going to cost? While a lot of popular tourist destinations up-charge during this busy time of year, you can still enjoy your spring break without spending your entire life’s savings. JusCollege travel agency offers the perfect South Beach package. For around $500 you could get a five-night hotel stay, all day pool and beach parties and even nightclub access with popular headliners. You’ve got two options as far as dates: March 3 – March 8 or March 10 – March 15. So, you’ve still got a little bit of time to save your coins.

3. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Want the South Beach feel but don’t want to pay the South Beach price? JusCollege also offers a Fort Lauderdale package that includes much of the same perks for a little cheaper. It will save you money as far as the hotel stay and most offer shuttles back and forth to the beaches. Packages like these usually run you $400 for the same dates.

4. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

What if you want the college spring break feel, but want to escape the outrageous crowds? Try going to a beach less traveled. When you think of Cabo, San Lucas, you think “Wow, that would be lit.” And then, “Yikes, how much does that cost?” It may surprise you just how cheap this spring break package can be and what it has to offer. JusCollege travel agency offers an exclusive, all–inclusive Cabo vacation. Five hundred dollars gives you access to exclusive day and night concerts headlined by some top artists of the moment including Migos, Wiz Khalifa and Lil Uzi. That alone would be enough for me to sign on the dotted line. But they also offer a VIP nightclub entry and a free paddle boarding excursion with tequila tasting. When in Rome! Or in this case, when in Mexico. Grab your package any time between February 23 and April 5. If seriously interested, I’d recommend booking right away as these spots won’t be available for long.

5. Nassau, Bahamas

Depending on your budget, you may be able to afford this spring break package. Right now, Student City travel agency is offering a special to college students where you can get this package for $700 instead of $1300. This package includes resort stay and airfare as well as exclusive pool and beach parties. For only $700, including airfare, you can’t beat this price. While you won’t find as many crazy nightclubs in this area, this destination makes the perfect spot for those who need a little TLC and relaxation this spring break. Hang out under the palm trees – fruity coconut drink in hand, revive your summer color by tanning next to the pool and get in some serious grub with some jerk chicken.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Clear blue waters and white sandy beaches sound like a dream getaway to most, but to some, it sounds like a nightmare. “I’m from Miami, Florida, so I get to have a beach vacation every time I go home! So if I’m planning a spring break trip, I don’t really look into tropical destinations,” FSU senior Michelle del Castillo said. Why not take the road less traveled and go somewhere completely different for spring break? If you want something out of the ordinary but still want a good story to tell the kids one day, this spring break, you won’t regret booking a trip to the Big Easy— a prime destination for those seeking nightlife and amazing Southern comfort food. You’ll enjoy a reasonably priced vacation that doesn’t involve much planning at all. While the airfare can be a little expensive, especially during this time of year, if you book through Son Tours travel agency, you can score some pretty good deals. Hotel and vacation rentals won’t cost much either, especially if you stay further away from the French Quarter.

7. Las Vegas, Nevada

Want to take a walk in Sin City? The actual trip won’t cost you an arm and a leg, but can your pockets take the casinos? If you know anything about Las Vegas, you know a pool party should definitely make your itinerary. Luxor Hotel and Casino, Encore and the Venetian are some popular spots on The Strip with beautiful resort-like pools that throw insane pool parties. Right now, if you book through Oyster travel agency, you can save 30% off your four-night stay at any of these hotels. And if you have some money to burn, the casinos are always open.

8. Winter Park, Colorado

Do you burn instead of tan? Beaches not really your thing? Many students don’t think to spend their break in the cold, but a bomb ski trip could be just the thing for a lowkey break this year. Winter Park, Colorado comes as no stranger to tourists with their amazing ski lifts and snow–peaked mountain views, but March and April aren’t really their busy seasons. The only lines you’ll be waiting in is the line to the ski lift. And let’s be real, the wait will be totally worth it once you see the view. Imagine cozying up with hot chocolate next to the fire instead of cozying up to a girl on a crowded beach. A lot of these packages include hotel stay and ski lift tickets with skiing and snowboarding lessons that will have you ready to take on the Black Diamond.

9. New York City, New York

If Lady Liberty is calling your name then maybe it’s time to take a trip to NYC. March and April aren’t really the busy seasons there and around that time the weather will be perfect. You’ll have plenty of touristy locations to visit in this concrete jungle. The NYC Trip agency offers the Broadway Theater package that includes admission into all the popular NYC sites like the Empire State Building Observatory, the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a popular Gossip Girl attraction for all fans of the show. And of course, as the name suggests, the package includes a ticket to a hit Broadway musical or play. This package goes for $350 per person including a three-night stay in Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, just blocks away from the famed Times Square attraction – a must see if you ever visit New York.

10. Savannah, Georgia

Don’t let this small Southern town fool you. Savannah, Georgia has tons of good things to do and of course good ole’ southern food to eat. If you book at least 30 days before your trip, Visit Savannah is offering 15% off your hotel stay at select locations in downtown Savannah. Some popular activities include the Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing lunch and dinner cruise, the historic Savannah Theatre and of course the Ghost Trolley tour. If you didn’t know, Savannah is said to be one of the most haunted cities in America. The Ghosts and Gravestones of Savannah is also a popular ghost tour that will leave you contemplating why you came to Savannah in the first place. You can take the lowkey route and walk around downtown Savannah to the riverfront which features some amazing historic architecture and we can’t forget about the seafood. Savannah is home to the famous Paula Dean restaurant including the Paula Dean Creek House Seafood and Grill.

About Alyson Peters

Alyson is a junior at Florida State University studying editing, writing, and media. Her hobbies include wasting time on social media, binge watching TV shows, and of course writing content for College Magazine.

Footer

College Magazine is the national daily guide to campus life. Our articles for college students feature university rankings of U.S. colleges, college guides, academic advice, college prep, career advice, student health and collegiate dating tips.

Written by students for students, by a team of journalists from universities nationwide, we’re on the pulse of the college experience.